TRIBUTES have been pouring in for former plant hire firm boss Bob Davis who has died aged 89.
Mr Davis ran his father Sydney's company S.E. Davis & Son Ltd, in Astwood Bank, from the late 1950s until the 2000s.
Sydney Ernest Davis and his wife Alice bought Sandhills Farm, where the firm is based, in 1930 and it was Mr Davis' home since he was born in 1934.
Mr Davis' grandson Paul said he was living in a care home for around 14 months, but his interest in the business "never stopped." Mr Davis passed away on Sunday (January 14).
Paying tribute to Mr Davis, Paul said he was a "proper gentleman" and "incredibly generous".
He said: "Grandad was a very quiet and private man but will be known and missed by many.
"He dedicated his life to the preservation of vintage equipment and our collection is a credit to him.
"Sleep on my friend and take your rest".
Mr Davis' interest in earth-moving machinery started in 1943 when at the age of nine he saw the TD9 belonging to local engineers and landowner Mr Eric Norbury.
When he was 13 he began using the TD9 dozer for ploughing. In 1956 Bob and his wife Christine started acquiring earth-moving machinery of their own.
From 1960 these were put to work on various projects around the Redditch area. Davis’ crawlers and dump trucks were a familiar sight during the construction of the M5 and M42 motorways.
People have taken to Facebook to share their condolences and pay tribute to Mr Davis.
Adrian Hughes said: "Such sad news. Bob was such a lovely character who was loved and spoke highly of from so many".
Tony Wass said: "He was an extraordinary inspirational man who has left a wonderful legacy in his wake".
David Wills added: "Bob was one of the very early pioneers in the vintage machinery movement in the UK, his legacy will live on through the collection for generations to come".
Mr Davis is survived by his wife Christine, son Andrew, grandchildren Paul, Lucy and Sally, and great-grandchildren Molly, Sam, Poppy and Ted.
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